2004 BMW Z4 Reviews

The BMW Z3 and Z4 are genuine roadsters, not simply convertibles. The difference being that roadsters are strictly two-seaters and the seats are set well back, almost to the rear axle. The resulting very long nose and a stubby tail mean the BMW Z-cars have a no-nonsense purposeful appearance.The BMW Z3 was launched in Australia way back in January 1997. It was BMW’s answer to the astonishing success of the Mazda MX-5, a car that reinvented the open-top car many thought had gone forever. Despite its different name, the BMW Z4 is really the second-generation Z3, it was given the new title to match the new naming system which sees the sporty variants getting even numbers.The Z series models were initially designed for the USA so in the early editions are rather American in their makeup for keen Aussie drivers. In particular, their handling was softer than usual for a BMW, though far from soft in absolute terms. When the Z3 also became a hit in many other countries, including Australia, the handling became full-on sport with the introduction of the Z4.The first Australian imports of the BMW Z4 reached us downunder in July 2003. Handling of the Z4 is exceptionally good with excellent chassis balance thanks to the setback position of the engine. Naturally rear wheel drive gives you proper throttle control. Some may feel the ride is on the firm side, but true drivers will be more than willing to overlooks this.Perhaps take along your regular passenger and get their feelings for the car on roughish roads. Though the little BMW began life with a 1.9-litre four-cylinder engine, the German marque is famed for its six-cylinder engines and these were soon squeezed under the long bonnet and almost immediately became the powerplant of choice in almost all cars.In June 1999 imports of the 1.9-litre four had ceased in Australia and all used a sweet little 2.0-litre straight-six. The big gun engine in the Z3 is the 3.0-litre six-cylinder. Performance from the smaller engines is nothing to get excited about, but the free-revving nature, and great exhaust note, makes them feel faster than they really are – and isn’t that what counts?BMW Z4s have a 2.5 or 3.0-litre straight-six from their 2003 introduction until the company started to get into the small-capacity turbocharged field with blown four-cylinder engines. Some sixes remained alongside the turbo-petrol fours until 2012, when they were replaced by big-boost turbo fours. Some miss the demise of the straight-six turbo engines – ourselves included – so if you really love them it might be time to invest in the last of the line.A special engine is used in the Z4 33i models. A 3.0-litre twin-turbo six, it gives huge amounts of forward thrust and is a delight for the revheads to punt along. Manual and automatic transmission are offered in most cars and the auto isn’t as slow and irritating as in some sports models. Our choice is still the DIY shifter, though.Manuals have six gear ratios. The autos increased in the number of gears, beginning with just four speeds in 1997 and advancing to no fewer than eight in 2012, with five and six speeds being sold along the timeline. The BMW dealer network is well established in Australia and is known for its high quality of technical training.Electronic diagnosis of problems is highly refined as BMW was a leader in this field. The technician plugs in your car and it is then connected to a large computer in Germany where it is quizzed not only on current problems but even in intermittent troubles that aren’t actually present in the car at the time it was driven into the workshop. Clever stuff.This high-tech diagnoses and servicing is just one reason it makes a lot of sense to buy a used Z3 or Z4 that has always been serviced by an official BMW dealer. Spare parts aren't outrageously expensive for a car in this class, but may prove to be a factor in your decision as to whether to buy an older Z4 rather than a cheaper convertible from a lower-cost maker.Insurance may be expensive if the driver is young and/or inexperienced. Surprisingly there is seldom a big increase in premiums for the high-performance models.WHAT TO LOOK FORCarry out your own pre-purchase inspection to the best of your ability. Once it has passed your tests call your BMW dealer, or at least a qualified mechanic with knowledge of the marque. Lift the carpets for signs of dampness or even rust if the car has been caught out in the rain in a big way. It’s best to ask permission from the seller before doing this as technically it’s dismantling the car and that is often frowned upon.Check for previous crash repairs by looking for signs of paint overspray, panels with a slight waviness in their finish and for colours that don't match exactly from one panel to the next. Make sure the engine starts virtually instantly, idles smoothly within a second or so of startup and pulls without hesitation even when completely cold.CAR BUYING TIPSome sports cars are ‘fanged’ on a daily basis, others never get past the mid-range marks on the tacho. No marks for guessing which is the better bet as a used car. 

In BMW terms the Z3 sports roadster was an eminently forgettable car. For a company that almost without fail builds great looking cars that go as good as they look, the Z3 missed the mark by quiet a margin. It looked bland, lacked performance and just failed to ignite the market as it should have, after all if anyone could produce a great sports car it should be BMW.Even when BMW started to crank up the Z3's performance with larger, six-cylinder engines it was still hampered by its plain-Jane looks. There were no such issues with the Z4 when it hit the market in 2003. No one could say the Z4 looks were bland, nor could they complain about its performance, the Z4 was the sports car BMW should have released when launching the Z3.MODEL WATCH The Z4 was everything the Z3 wasn't. It looked good, went hard and had the sort of road presence BMW owners expect of their brand. Where the Z3's lines were soft, its proportions plump, the Z4 had sharp lines that carved out a distinctive shape, and its proportions were tight.If the Z3 seemed tired from the get-go, the Z4 appeared poised to pounce. Viewed from any angle most people thought the Z4 looked great, but it was also challenging to some eyes and it did come in for some criticism for being a little too out-there. But six years on from its launch it hasn't lost any of its visual appeal, and even those who thought it too adventurous at first are more accepting of its shape. Fortunately when it came time to replace the Z4 BMW's engineers didn't bother with a four-banger engine like they did with the Z3.This time round they went straight to the six-cylinder and offered two versions of their silky smooth straight six. The entry engine was a 2.5-litre double overhead camshaft unit that delivered 141 kW at 6000 revs and 245 Nm at 3500 revs. When asked for its best the 2.5-litre Z4 roadster would race to 100 km/h in seven seconds, and rush on to a top speed of 235 km/h. The other option was a 3.0-litre six that boasted 170 kW at 5900 revs and 300 Nm at 3500 revs. It would race from rest to 100 km/h in less than six seconds and had a top speed of 250 km/h.If you chose the smaller engine there was a choice of a five-speed manual gearbox or a five-speed sequential shift auto 'box, but if you opted for the larger engine you got to choose from a six-speed manual and a five-speed DSG auto 'box. Once processed through the gearbox the drive was directed rearwards as it is on the best of BMWs.Independent suspension - struts at the front and multilink at the rear - powerful four-wheel disc brakes, and for the first time adjustable electric power steering, together with a very stiff body and 50:50 weight distribution ensured the chassis had great road holding and response. Overlaid on that was an awesome array of electronic aids to help keep it safely on the straight and narrow.Dynamic Drive Control altered the engine calibration to enhance the response when desired, and Dynamic Stability Control with traction control allowed some wheel slip to add to the thrill of the drive without letting things get out of hand; they were just a couple of the electronic aids the Z4 boasted.BMW only offered the Z4 as an open top roadster in those early days, but the top was a clever piece of work that could be raised or lowered quickly, and once lowered the front part of the roof formed a neat tonneau cover. The Z4 lacked little in terms of standard features. It came with climate-controlled air, leather, power seats with memory on the driver's side, trip computer, CD sound, and cruise.IN THE SHOP Most BMWs are well serviced in the first phase of their lives, which is where the Z4 is now. For the most part first owners have their cars regularly serviced by a factory dealer, and spend what money is needed to keep them running at their peak. It's when they pass on to the second owners that servicing tends to fall away a little.Servicing is important. Regular oil and filter changes are the keys to keeping the engine alive and well. If dealer servicing proves too expensive, and it can, then look for an experienced BMW service specialist to look after your car. There are plenty around and they will charge substantially less than the factory dealers with no less quality of service. They are also likely to be able to source less expensive parts when needed.IN A CRASH The Z4 came with a comprehensive safety package, including dual front airbags, side airbags, rollover protection and seat belt pretensioners. Before the impact the Z4 driver could count on its anti-lock ABS braking, dynamics stability control and traction control to escape from potentially dangerous situations.AT THE PUMP Quite obviously the fuel economy of the Z4 is largely determined by the way it is driven. Driven with a deft right foot it will return 9.5-11.0 L/100 km, but when driven with a lead foot it will go out to 11-13 L/100 km.LOOK FOR * Striking styling* Silky smooth engines* Exhilarating performance* Great road holding* Badge cred* Well-equippedTHE BOTTOM LINE Its looks can be challenging, but there's no doubting the Z4's performance or exhilarating road manners.RATING: 85/100

Like its competitor, the Mercedes SLK, the BMW Z4 has sufficient sex appeal, oomph and a Christmas stocking full of features to even hit hard at the third topless exotic European, the Porsche Boxster.The Z4, which grew out of the very ordinary yet exceptionally overpriced Z3, picks up on the erratic styling cues shared by its sedans.But while the BMW sedans look a touch awkward, like a primary school graduate dancing in her first pair of high-heel shoes, the Z4 is distinctive and even intriguing.All the odd shapes – the creases, the concave panels, bulges and curves – work with a long bonnet, short tail and prominent twin nostrils to create something you just can't ignore.Roof up or down, it's a sexy beast.On the track it is simply a beast. BMW kit the Z4 with all the electronic safety gear – stability control, traction control, brake assist, ABS and so on.But though the car's electronics only modestly interfere with the power output, they can still be over-ridden.Press the console button once and traction control is disabled, keep the button depressed for three seconds and all electronic aids are turned off.That leaves a rather raw ride, with the light rear end happy to break into oversteer and plenty of wheelspin.Clearly, the Z4 can handle such treatment, but this is not the essence of the roadster.Take a brisk drive to Toodyay, swing right to Northam and the roads – curved, sweeping, thin with rutted bitumen and then wide and smooth – reveal a lively and exceptionally competent two-seater.But you soon realise there's not enough room for much luggage and that, at 55 litres, the fuel tank is rather small and the lack of a spare tyre is less than confidence-inspiring.Out here – 90 minutes from the CBD – there are not a lot of service stations with a spare tyre mounted on a BMW wheel hanging from the rafters. Even if there was, at what cost?Yes, there is a repair kit to temporarily repair any puncture, though I see the nightmare of this challenge happening at midnight in the rain. While you're alone.There's not much personal storage space within the cabin, but there is a phone and a CD player.The seats are leather, though flattish. There's a choice of upholstery colours, of course, though the red pertinently matched the dynamics of the car and the bank account of this driver.Yet despite the unshapely seats – which, by the way, are heated for open-top autumn driving – the ride comfort is firm, though rarely uncomfortable.The best news is that the Z4 can make anyone look good. The price is a bit rakish, but the quality is certainly up to the mark.Vehicle track-tested at AHG Driving Centre.

The M Series cars are among the most explosive and efficient performance cars on world markets.But it is difficult to fathom why BMW has chosen to switch from the elegant designs employed in its recent past to shock treatment silhouettes.The Z4 sports car is stunning in many aspects – particularly the sporty, highly individual bootline. It is very traditional in its make-up with a long bonnet, fantastic engine, rear-wheel-drive power delivery and acceleration which is a real blast.The car grips the road like a proverbial vice during keen cornering and maintains traction, due to the armament of electronic smart gadgetry.But the body style has hung a huge question mark over what should be an icon car for its era.The interplay of concave and convex panel work is an interesting approach which could have worked. Then the designers tossed in forward creases on the front wings and mounted two huge BMW badges.Like the boot line on the much-maligned 7 Series, this single styling element has vandalised what could have been a pure profile.And it really is regrettable to have to mark down a car which has so many facets about which one really could be going into raptures.This said, 353 buyers have been attracted by the Z4 so far this year, which is not insignificant business for BMW.While it could be argued that buyers are more important than critics, the status of the BMW badge does have the power to iron out perceived imperfections.The Z4 comes with a choice of two engines: a 141kW, 2.5-litre and the wondrous 170kW, three-litre – both straight sixes with infinitely variable four-valve technology.The 2.5i has been tested previously. This time, the "big three" manual was taken out on test.With a 0-to-100km/h dash in under six seconds, the Z4 commands a position in true performance company.But it is the manner in which it responds to throttle input in the mid ranges which earns this engine continual rave reviews.Peak torque of 300Nm is available from 3500rpm, which means the car has a decent burn for quick, safe overtaking.The Z4 boasts 50:50 weight distribution which makes a handy contribution to balanced stance on the road.During acceleration, braking and cornering, the amount of technology working to keep the car on the chosen path is highly impressive.The latest version of dynamic stability and traction control, plus a cornering braking system, work automatically and continuously to counter under and oversteer.It all happens without the driver having to do anything special – so long as the car is driven within acceptable limits.The driver does, however, have the ability to call up faster acceleration response – and shorter shifting with automatic transmission at the touch of a button.The Z4 is simply a treat to drive in any conditions – quietly around the city or more enthusiastically when speed limits permit and road conditions allow. If one can afford to rent a race track, the driver with the skills can have a ball.The two-door roadster starts at $78,500 for the 2.5i with five-speed manual transmission, or $81,100 for the five-speed three-mode automatic with sequential override.The 3.0i (as tested) costs $92,000 for the six-speed manual and $94,600 for the five-speed automatic.Both models come with quality sound system, while the three-litre version gets a 10-speaker unit and a CD stacker mounted between the seats.In addition, the latest Bluetooth mobile phone plumbing is standard as is an in-dash mini-disc player.Key options include satellite navigation and television.While the Z4 line-up is hardly cheap, it does come loaded with a generous menu of standard kit.This includes 16in cross-spoke alloy wheels on the 2.5i, and 17in on the 3.0i, rain sensing windscreen wipers, automatic headlight control, front fog lights, on-board computer, run-flat tyres, aluminium interior trim and leather cover for the sports steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake.Xenon headlamps with a washer system come as part of the package, and a park distance control is included to prevent contact when steering into a tight spot.The Z4 sits on the same suspension set-up as the 3 Series, but modified for compatibility with the sports.With the benefit of such a wide variety of stability and traction control, the car turns in precisely to bends and tracks with pin-sharp accuracy. The interior is true to the tradition of both a genuine sports car and BMW's long approach to roadster motoring.The sports seats are comfortable and ergonomic, ensuring excellent lateral support when side forces attempt to push the driver out of position.The fascia is clear, straightforward and sporty, with every switch and lever positioned for intuitive use. A speedometer and rev counter are the dominating instruments, with hooded tubing preventing reflection.Finally, the hood is a genuine rag-top rather than a hinged hardtop used by the competition. It lowers in less than 10 seconds at the push of a button – making it the fastest hood in the segment.The clever Z-fold roof design ends up lying flush with the body without the need for a tonneau cover or lid.In sum, the Z4 is a remarkable sports car with the exception of that one styling cue on the front wing. A subjective view, certainly, but one which seems to be shared by a number of critics.One expects all the driver safety aids in a premium-priced BMW and one is not disappointed.It would take a really good driver on a fast, flowing race track to really take the Z4 to its critical limits.And that means it is immeasurably safe when driven at speed limits – hopefully by drivers who have taken the trouble to do an advanced driving course.

Once the BMW is in the sight of their side mirrors, the 750cc rider turns his head in acknowledgement of the ensuing duel. It's a battle that, well, if it was not to be undertaken in a car like the Z4, probably wouldn't have been undertaken at all.But was it possible that this 3.0-litre Z4 could give two motorbikes (that win in power-to-weight ratio) a run for their money?With a rev of the engines and a twitch of the rear wheel of the 750cc, the question would soon be answered.The 750cc was swallowed up within three corners. Perhaps the rider was not that adept, perhaps the car was just better; it was not enough of a battle to decide.With a glance over his shoulder, the R1 rider nearly fell off upon seeing the silver Z4's distinctive, aggressive face bearing down on him -- instead of his mate -- and realised he had to fly the flag.Keeping to the 100km/h limit, the battle was sheer corner speed and acceleration, with both steeds showing their assets.The Z4's sophisticated braking, automatic stability control and traction, corner braking control and dynamic traction control meant it was impossible to shake and clearly out-handled its two-wheeled competitor. The 50/50 weight distribution showed the perfect balance of the Z4, while the electric power steering was put to the test -- one it passed with pretty good results.The sports-tuned suspension setting was also on, a mode that tightens the throttle and steering response.Despite impressive figures of 170kW at 5900rpm and 300Nm of torque at 3500rpm coming from BMW's straight six engine and fly by wire throttle (which made acceleration an interesting duel), the R1's get up and go was a bit too quick for the likes of the Z4. But it was a bike for heaven's sake.It was a relatively short-lived battle as the R1 pulled over to let us past and to wait for his mate to catch up.It was, however, a testament to the handling capabilities of the roadster and one that was made even better by being able to relax back into the leather seats and turn on the seat warmer. The stiffer ride, though, means the Z4 feels a little skittish on bumpy roads and the imperfect steering feel lets the enjoyment down, just a bit.Like the riders, though, you can also have the wind in your hair, or not, in just 10 seconds -- the fastest folding roof in its class.Then there are the sports seats with memory settings, climate control airconditioning, elegant interior styling, 16-inch alloys, a rain sensor, automatic headlight control, front fog lights, an on-board computer, aluminium interior trim and a leather cover for the sports steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake.The 3.0-litre boasts a CD stacker and a 10-speaker stereo system.The Z4's exterior styling has been a point of discussion since it was released. In fact, it really seems like it was a case of love it or hate it.But BMW dares to be different and even if the exterior is a little daring for certain tastes, it would not be a deciding factor once the bum has been in the seat.Having driven both the 2.5i-litre and the 3.0-litre, it's fair to say the 2.5i-litre is no slouch compared with its bigger brother and still boasts all the technical stuff BMW could fit in. With 141kW at 6000rpm and 245Nm of torque at 3500rpm, the 2.5i sprints to 100km/h in just seven seconds, 5.9sec for the 3.0 litre.The Z42.5i comes in either a five-speed manual or five-speed three-mode Steptronic automatic. The 3.0-litre adds a gear on the manual but stays a five-speed in the automatic. Unlike some six speeds, the Z4 gives you time to change, so it doesn't feel like you've just started off in a truck. The engine lets you rev it out with no complaints and leaves a sweet note in the ear.Despite being very gutsy and quick, both are still fuel efficient, the 3.0-litre using about 11 litres per 100km combined.The 2.5i is priced at $78,500 for the five-speed manual or $81,100 for the automatic. The 3.0 is priced at $92,000 for the manual or $94,600 for the auto.